Stir up passion with violet or nab a new job with honeysuckle. From parsley to periwinkle, people enjoy herbs for their aroma, taste, and healing abilities, but few are aware of the enchanting powers harnessed within these multipurpose plants. Breathing new life into herbal folklore and wisdom, Ellen Dugan introduces the magical side of these natural treasures.

The author of Cottage Witchery describes the magical traits of flowers, roots, trees, spices, and other commonly found herbs. Under her guidance, readers learn the basics of magic and spellworking so they may safely explore herbal magic on their own for health, luck, prosperity, romance, protection, and more!

Many of us, especially city-dwellers, don't have access to large plots of land for gardening. But that shouldn't stop us! Most herbs are tolerant of harsh growing conditions—even those found in our urban centers, which are man-made heat wells. With a little direction and some perseverance, urban gardeners can grow plenty of herbs for the kitchen, bath, or cupboard.

Spring is a time for skinned knees, bug bites, and other injuries as we (and the sleeping Earth) emerge from our hibernation. There are many herbal remedies than can be used to comfort and heal. Ellen Evert Hopman, author of The Druid Isle and Priestess of the Forest, details five such herbs.

Most every kitchen is stocked full of herbs and spices. We use them to flavor our food and preserve it. But did you know that these simplest of herbs and spices can also be used to heal us? Ellen Evert Hopman, Druid Priestess and author of Priestess of the Forest, details 10 everyday foods and spices that can easily be used to heal.

Flowers delight us with their colors and scents. They evoke memories and lift us out of blue moods. They convey passion, sympathy, or celebration to those we love; they can also heal. There are a number of healing systems that use the power of flowers to affect moods and heal. Public gardens not only delight the senses, but are architecturally designed to soothe frazzled nerves and allow for...

In the dead of winter, when outdoor gardens have faded, vibrant indoor gardens can still be enjoyed. Sun-loving houseplants benefit from basking in a window, and you’ll benefit from having them there. Besides screening you from strong floods of light and conferring extra privacy, plants create leafy, live window trims of branches and foliage—and sometimes bright flowers. You can savor the...

Herbs that are grown indoors add fresh aroma to your home, and because they are so close at hand, they encourage you to make use of them for seasonings and in food preparation. Basically, indoor-grown herbs require a sunny growing area (five to six hours of sunlight per day), water, and humidity. They will need protection from cold drafts and extreme temperatures. Also, turn your pots...

Adept: One who is skilled in the art of magic. Amulet: An object worn or carried to bring luck or to attract certain vibrations or people. Anaphrodisiac: An herb that cools the passions. Aphrodisiac: An herb that acts as a sexual excitant. Athame: The sacred knife of the Witch, black-handled and often engraved with magic symbols. Balefire: An open-air fire, a bonfire lit for magical...

Now join hands, and with your hands your hearts. — William Shakespeare Early summer is a magickal time for a wedding or a handfasting. Make it special by using a few witchy tricks to imbue it with a deeper meaning. First off, what would a wedding be without flowers? You don’t need to hire an expensive florist; check your local area for a flower market where prices will be more reasonable...

As summer begins to wane, we begin to harvest what we have sown. Lammas, or Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1, honors the first harvest. Perhaps all summer you’ve been growing fruits, vegetables, or a little herb garden. You can’t wait to share your bounty with others. But before you put your harvest to use… how do you appropriately gather that which you’ve tended for so long, in a way that...

As sacred gardens come back into fruition, many Witches are wondering if their herb magic could be more potent. Using the personal arts of intuition and customization, Melanie Harris shows how to increase the potency of herb magic.

Herbs are wonderful creatures. They can soothe a sore throat in a tea, add luster to hair in a rinse or enhance luck in an amulet. Anyone practicing magic should already have some familiarity with their wide range of uses; and if not, there exists a ...

Hello, it’s your friendly neighborhood Garden Witch. I’ve got a wonderful new book for you to dig into this year, and it’s popping up just in time for the gardening season. It’s entitled Herb Magic for Beginners. This newest book in Llewellyn’s For ...

We all strive for more health, happiness, and hope in our lives. This enhanced well-being can be as simple as integrating any number of aroma-energetic practices into your life; these practices combine the powerful effects of aromatherapy and energy for a more powerful result. Margaret Ann Lembo, author of Chakra Awakening; The Essential Guide to... read this article